Nash Flash

4/29/2006

Holdap 'to!

How catchier could it get? Should titles be really something that is quintessential? Why not something direct to the point instead?

Anyway, this post is not an argument on which is the most effective headline or title for a written piece. Rather, I would recount an experience that I know could happen to anyone, have occurred to some people I know, and I having a close call.

It all started when a friend of mine invited me out. They were already in Malate while I just arrived home from a basketball game with my buddies. I was leisurely having a late dinner when my friend messaged me to join them.

Since I was in no hurry, I took my time preparing myself while she kept bugging me through SMS. I told her I’m on my way.

As I was waiting for a jeepney at the corner of P. Sanchez and Bagumbayan, I was checking my mobile every now and then since she kept pestering me with messages. After a few minutes of standing, I saw that the PUJs were making a U-turn at the gasoline station near Sevilla Bridge. So I proceeded there.

As I was walking, I heard footsteps coming from behind. I quickened my pace a bit and I heard the steps behind go faster. Suddenly, a hand grabbed the back of my shirt and he ordered, “Don’t move!”

My first instinct was to struggle so I started shifting and turned to face my assailant with his hand still clutching my shirt. The only sound I heard come out of my mouth were short bellows of “Hey!”

He wasn’t budging and I heard my shirt rip off me. Once I was free, I sprinted towards the pedicab terminal at the corner.

I shouted, “Quick! To Abad Santos (That’s not the hospital. That’s where I live, dimwit)!” They (yes, there were two of them) didn’t bother chasing me although I looked back once in a while to see if they also hailed a tricycle to pursue me.

I could see myself panting but I couldn’t feel the air coming in and out of my respiratory system. My mind was racing.

What bothered me is that the pedicab driver seemed nonchalant with what just happened. Questions were popping in my mind like Pop Rocks with Coke in my mouth. It’s no use ranting “Where’s Batman when you need him?” I would just sound preachy. In the first place, you must have heard the same old questions whenever this happens to you or to someone you know.

Yeah, this left me scarred. Although I’m not yet King Paranoia, my ears catch the slightest screech of rubber coming from behind.

It’s no use cowering in fear. If it’s your time, it’s your time.I still go out at night.

4/24/2006

2006 NBA playoffs first round predictions

As much as I appreciate what Ron Artest is doing in his new home, I like Manu Ginobili more.

Prediction: Spurs in 5

Suns (2) vs. Lakers (7)

Come on… this is an easy choice. Kobe scored 81 on just one game. And the reigning MVP would prove that winning that award last year was no fluke.

Predicion: Suns in 4

Nuggets (3) vs. Clippers (6)

Meanwhile, the other Los Angeles team… I like. But then, you have Marcus Camby and Melo at the other side. But someone’s luck has to run out. Denver had it easier this year as compared to last year when they had San Antonio in the first round. The consolation for the Clippers is that regardless what happens in their playoff run, this is a statement season for them.

Prediciton: Nuggets in 6

Mavericks (4) vs. Grizzlies (5)

Interesting matchup over here. I may like Cuban but I don’t still like his team. But he’s been very, very lucky. And for that, I’ll give the series to him.

Prediction: Mavericks in 6

Eastern Conference

Pistons (1) vs. Bucks (8)

Nyargh! As much as I want Detroit to be eliminated as early as the first round, that’s just not going to happen. Besides, I prefer to have a Detroit-Indiana in the conference finals.

Prediction: Pistons in 4

Heat (2) vs. Bulls (7)

Here’s the scenario. Unlike with the Western Conference, where I’m pretty much indifferent except for the Spurs and the Suns, everything that happens in the East should revolve around the Pacers, provided that they hurdle the Nets, which I believe they could.

The Bulls, on paper, would be an easier opponent for the Pacers. However, Indiana won their season series against Miami.

If I feel upset-happy, I’ll put my money on Chicago. When I want to play safe, I’ll bet for the Heat.

Prediction: Heat in 6/Bulls in 7

Nets (3) vs. Pacers (6)

Should I still have to put comments on this series? Remember the 2002 first round encounter of these two teams? That was a classic. It would happen again, but this time, the outcome would be different.

Prediction: Pacers in 7

Cavaliers (4) vs. Wizards (5)

LeBron James’s first playoff would be an eventful one. I like Caron Butler but Gilbert Arenas is such an ass.

4/20/2006

The season starts this Monday for the Pacers

The Indiana Pacers finished the regular season in sixth seed after they were victoriuos against the Orlando Magic. This sets up a first round confrontation with Atlantic division winner New Jersey Nets.

It was in 2002 when the two faced in the then best-of-five first round. It was also that time, although the Pacers lost the series, when Reggie Miller had some of his most memorable moments. He hit a 30-foot desperation basket at the buzzer to force overtime. Five minutes later, he forged another extension period by scoring with a dunk.

Despite the rocky 82-game season the Pacers had, I feel good with this year's playoff run.

Here's something you don't see everyday...

4/07/2006

2006 WTA Tour top 10

rankings as of April 9, 2006

1. Martina Hingis (25, SUI) – the queen is finally back to reclaim her throne.

2. Anastasia Myskina (12, RUS) – the Russian czarina has to settle for second spot this year.

3. Justine Henin-Hardenne (3, BEL) – she’s getting flak for quitting the Australian Open finals, but I still admire her because she could slug it out with the best of them despite her diminutive frame.

5. Daniela Hantuchova (15, SVK) – she came out at the time when Anna Kournikova was getting headlines for being a looker. Guess who between the two is still active in the tour.

6. Svetlana Kuznetsova (10, RUS) – there should be one other Russian other than Myskina and Sharapova in my list though I wouldn’t mind putting all of them here as long as they are below the Swiss Miss.

7. Maria Sharapova (4, RUS) – what is a list of the women’s tour without Maria?

8. Lindsay Davenport (5, USA) – at least neither of the Williams sisters made the list.

9. Sania Mirza (39, IND) – the hotshot newcomer. And she comes from a former British colony where they play with wickets instead of rackets.

6. Granny Goose Snackmasters – how come there are three teams with the word “master” in their moniker? Why not name them as Porters, Dolphins, or Tortillos? Marvin Cruz, Abby Santos, “Baby Shaq” JR Quiñahan, and new coach Robert Sison in my rave list.

7. Montaña Pawnshop Jewels – Alex “The Gentleman” Compton should have been in the PBA five years ago. Better late than never though. But what is Karl Bono doing in the lineup? At least Al Magpayo is back.

4/05/2006

2006 F1 constructors app list

1. Ferrari (ITA) – would you think I would jump cockpit after a disappointing season?

2. Renault (FRA) – props for these guys for putting McLaren out of the picture. Then again, it was Williams that lost in the four-way fight for the constructor’s championship.

3. Toyota (JPN) – meteoric rise for a relative newcomer, I applaud thee. At least they are already a midcard team.

4. Honda (JPN) – their here again, gone again finishes have been quite frustrating. At least there’s already Toyota to battle them for some Japanese loving and for the distinction of the “best middle-of-the-grid team”.

5. BMW Sauber (GER) – a middle of the pack car that couldn’t ride on the momentum of its little successes.

6. Super Aguri (JPN) – the third Japanese team in F1. Interesting.

7. Midland (CAN) – used to be Minardi. A name change wouldn’t do much and that’s the reason they are still my underdogs. At least there’s Super Aguri and the Red Bull teams to keep them company at the back.

8. Williams (GBR) – this is a team that was just a shadow of its former self and they have fallen by the wayside faster than Minardi could finish a lap. But I like Nico Rosberg.

10. Toro Rosso (ITA) – Red Bull is named after a local basketball team, Thai professional boxers, and more recently, an American soccer squad, and two F1 teams. At least this one has Scott Speed. And they are running on V10 Ferrari engines.

11. Red Bull (GBR) – it’s just so wrong when there are two Red Bull teams in one league.

12. Nick Heidfeld (GER – BMW Sauber) – used to be in my top 5 during his early years. Has fallen in my radar after so-so performances. Must be the car. Man, he’s super loyal.

13. Mark Webber (AUS – Williams) – this former Minardi driver has hit pay dirt. Must be because he was able to survive that “attritious” Australian Grand Prix where there were only ten cars left running and he scored a point after placing sixth. That, if I’m correct, would be Minardi’s only point for that season. I wonder what he has that Alex Yoong didn’t have that’s why the Malaysian had to contend himself driving in A1. At least Yoong reached podium driving for Malaysia.

16. Christian Klein (AUT – Red Bull) – used to drive for a backmarker. I guess he still is.

17. Jacques Villenueve (CAN – BMW Sauber) – I don’t know why he’s this down low. I guess he should realize that he should move on. Michael Schumacher is contemplating retirement in two to three years, why not him also?

18. Kimi Raikonnen (FIN – McLaren Mercedes) – in the three-way fight last year, someone has to be the heel. Plus McLaren isn’t one of my likeable cars.

19. Juan Pablo Montoya (COL –McLaren Mercedes) – I used to like Montoya a lot more. But he sold his soul to be in McLaren.